Fears are growing that a civil war could break out in Ivory Coast after seven female protesters were shot dead Thursday as they called on President Laurent Gbagbo to step down. The United Nations says at least 365 people have died since November’s election, nearly all supporters of Alassane Ouattara, the internationally recognized winner. Supporters of Ouattara accused the Gbagbo government of massacring the seven female protesters.

Supporter of Alassane Ouattara: “Our mothers went out to march peacefully with their hands empty [of weapons]. Then we saw Gbagbo’s tanks that came and opened fire on the old women, killing at least six on the spot, seven dead in all, after another died in the car. We are ready. As we don’t have the means to defend ourselves, we managed to prepare some bombs, and we are waiting for Gbagbo’s elements, and this time we will finish with them.”